aftermarket (?) aluminum wheels for an '02 Ford E-350

[onsight512]

We just bought an '02 E-350 that we plan to use as 'the family station wagon' most of the time, but it's also going to be going camping pretty frequently. We'd like to ditch the stock steel wheels in favor of something lighter and 'less utilitarian'. I'd like to keep the same tires that it currently has as we don't plan to do any serious off-roading at this point. Any suggestions?

thanks,
Chris

 

[Buliwyf]

Ebay for take off Ford Factory Superduty truck wheels would be what I'd research. Most after market wheels seem weak and fragile to me compared to the factory stuff when it comes to 1ton+ trucks.
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And I know by experience how crazy the E350 gets with a rear blowout. Or even just a tread separation and no loss of air can flip a E350 like a top. So I'm very, very careful picking wheels and tires for those. I wouldn't bother changing wheels until you wear out your current tires. Tire techs are good at messing up tire beads these days. I'd throw a set of Mich LTX of BFG ATKO's on the new wheels. Those have been the most stable tires I've used yet on the vans, especially if you go up a little in size. Stock 245 to 255. I'd also replace the shocks ASAP. Get some nice Bilsteins on to reduce the porpoising and rocking chair effects that the stock vans seem to do too often. I'd even consider stuffing air bags in the front coils.

 

[doug720]

Be aware that not all Ford 8 lug wheels are the same. Ford vans have a different hole pattern than the PU trucks, vans are fractional and truck are metric patterns. I forget the difference, but be aware when you are looking for wheels.

My DD has been a series of E350's for over 20 years and I like them a lot. Keep good tires on them and you will be fine. As to shocks, I have replaced them, but only after the stock ones are well used. I actually prefer Tokico over Bilsteins, and I have used both. Better ride by far with the Tokico's and way better price!

As to tire size, lifting a van is not what I want for various reasons, mainly safety, but it also makes it harder for passengers and loading the van. One thing I use is the rear wheel spacers that make the front and rear track the same width. Ford, in an cost saving move, uses a narrower old style PU rear end in the van, even though the vans front track is wider. You can buy the spacers on line and the stock lugs on the full floater axles are plenty long to install these. You get better handling both in general driving and in an emergency also.

Vans are good vehicles.

Doug

 

[onsight512]

Thanks for the information, folks. I have no desire to up the tire or wheel size past the stock sizes. They'll do fine for what we have planned for the van, although it currently has 225/75/16's all around.

And I'll look for the Tokicos. I normally put Bilsteins on everything we get, and have always been happy with them, but if the Tokicos ride better, I'll give them a try. We don't plan to tow much, or carry much weight in this thing 99% of the time, so a nicer ride would be great. Are the Tokicos as good, quality-wise, as a Bilstein? I always liked the Bilsteins because they work well and seem to last forever.

And for the wheels I was thinking of these (Alcoa 167041):

http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/p-1685-167041-1.aspx

thanks,
Chris

 

[njtacoma]

I've always liked the Alcoa wheels. Those will look great on the van, similar to a style the offered on the vans and OBS trucks, I think Alcoa made the wheels for Ford at one point.

 

[Heloflyboy]

Watch your off set on a new set of wheels. It will not matter if you have side barn doors but if you have a slider it will.

 

[highdesertranger]

Alcoa's are the only aluminum rims I would run on a 1 ton. btw I have run them since '97, same set no problems. my mistake I did change them out when Alcoa recalled them. but I had no problems before or after. highdesertranger

 

[Shocker]

+1 to all who recommended the Alcoa's. These are on VanDOOM and I just bought a second set for spares. 911 bucks seems pretty steep even if they are new. Look on CL for some used ones. 8x6.5 is what you want. The Alcoa's were also put on the early Super Duty rigs and are 8x170mm. Mid 90's F350's are the same as on the van.

I would also vote upsizing the tires from 225 to the 245. They fit the 16x7 wheels and will add some stability to the van. It is important when carrying the family.